Signs of Oxycodone Addiction

Opioid addiction is a very serious condition that has a number of telling signs to watch out for. This is considered to be one of the fastest growing drug-related problems according to law enforcement and government officials. The abuse of prescription narcotic painkillers has affected nearly every community in the nation. This problem can lead to addiction, overdose and various crimes such as diversion and theft.

Oxycodone is a potent opioid used to treat moderate to severe pain. It's the narcotic ingredient in both OxyContin and Percocet. This medication has the potential to be habit forming. People who take it for pain relief can develop a physical dependency after a prolonged period. This means that they will suffer opioid withdrawal symptoms if use is stopped. People who abuse the drug may have a physical and psychological dependency that is characteristic of addiction. Many people who are addicted to oxycodone become compulsive in their use, as if nothing else matters. They tend to have very strong cravings and many will do whatever it takes to get more.

Some people start off misusing oxycodone for the powerful "high" it can produce. Intense feelings of sedation and euphoria are oftentimes enough to cause a first-time user to return to the drug again and again. The physical and psychological illness associated with oxycodone withdrawal keeps many people entrenched in addiction. Many try to quit on their own but this is dangerous and often proves very difficult to follow through with.

What to Watch Out For

People who become addicted to oxycodone may exhibit any of the following signs:

A preoccupation with the drug

Compulsive behaviors revolving around getting or using the drug

Physical illness or psychological impact if the drug runs out

Personality changes

Lack of motivation

Severe mood swings

Isolation

Problems with lying

Issues with the law

Running out of oxycodone before the prescription is due to be refilled

Instances of doctor shopping, or going from one doctor to another to obtain more than one prescription

Unexplained shortages of money

Hanging out with questionable people

Unfortunately, oxycodone can be found easily on the black market. Some OxyContin abusers disable to time-release mechanism by chewing or crushing the drug and then snorting or injecting it. This creates a powerful high. Because the cost of one pill is high, many addicts turn to heroin, which provides a similar high and often costs less.

Treatment Options for Oxycodone Addiction

Opioids have a very powerful hold over those who become addicted. Withdrawal can result in seizures or death if not adequately managed. This means that professional oxycodone detox is important to ensure safety and success. Opioid detox or rehab may be helpful, and many people opt to undergo rapid opiate detox. The right rapid detox for oxycodone will provide thorough medical detox, around-the-clock monitoring, withdrawal management and aftercare.